@louc Not you’re not the only one and my breast care nurse said many ladies who have had bc think the same.
I’m 55 and had 16 months of treatment with Herceptin and now Letrozole and Zoledronic acid. I had been teaching in a primary school covering classes and I just couldn’t do the job anymore. The hot flushes, aches and pains, fatigue, lack of sleep not to mention brain fog. I couldn’t give it my all, there is nothing less than 100% when you have 30 little people for 6.5 hours. I took redundancy and using the money to do what I want when I want. I will decide a some point what I want to do for the rest of my time and will probably work but unsure doing what. Stress is not good for us and I’d had a couple of family deaths and stressful job with other health issues and I needed time for myself.
Not everyone can choose to not work. I do volunteer on here several hours a week as well as local foodbank.
Is there an option of a short career break or be signed off to take some time mentally and physically for yourself? Employment and Support Allowance is an option if you are signed off and not receiving statutory sick pay. It is means tested but there is a contribution based option as well.
I notice you are on Phesgo which can last another 7/8 months after chemo and can weaken your immune system (not as much as chemo). I was signed off for all my Herceptin plus a couple of months to build up my immune system as working in school was not good for infections and bugs. There is a thread of HER2+ buddies that you may like to join for your ongoing treatment. Many in this thread continue work but it depends on where you work and the type of role. Link below
